Category: Education
How FINNY Is Powering the Future of Organic Growth for Advisors with Eden Ovadia (Ep. 13)

How FINNY Is Powering the Future of Organic Growth for Advisors with Eden Ovadia (Ep. 13)

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What if your next great client came from authentic connection, not acquisition?

In this episode, Thomas Manetta sits down with Eden Ovadia, CEO and Co-Founder of FINNY, a groundbreaking organic growth engine helping independent advisors attract clients without relying on mergers, acquisitions, or referral programs. Together, they unpack how technology, data, and authenticity can empower advisors to grow smarter, faster, and more meaningfully. 

Thomas and Eden discuss:

  • How FINNY helps advisors build personalized, scalable prospecting campaigns
  • Why authentic communication outperforms generic AI-generated outreach
  • The compounding power of content and LinkedIn for long-term growth
  • How technology like FINNY is reshaping independence and redefining what’s possible for solo RIAs
  • And more!

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Connect with Eden Ovadia:

About Our Guest:

Eden Ovadia is the CEO and Co-Founder of FINNY. Eden is originally from Montreal, where she received a Software Engineering degree from McGill University, specializing in Machine Learning. While at McGill, she worked at EY and KPMG as a Cyber Security Advisory Associate. Upon graduation, Eden joined BCG NYC, where she primarily worked in the Tech, Financial Institutions & Private Equity practices for over 2 years.

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Scaling Smarter: Technology, Clients, and Legacy (Ep. 12)

Scaling Smarter: Technology, Clients, and Legacy (Ep. 12)

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Advisors frequently face the challenge of striking a balance between growth, independence, and client care.

How do you use technology to scale without losing your personal touch? How do you create a path for future generations of advisors while building your own legacy?

In this episode of Behind The Curtain Finance, Thomas Manetta reflects on his conversation with Jason Wenk of Altruist and explores how technology, independence, and long-term vision can reshape advisory practices. He shares his goals for scaling, the promise of AI-driven tools, and his vision of mentoring the next generation of advisors.

Key takeaways:

  • The transformative potential of Altruist’s platform for solo advisors aiming to scale beyond traditional limits
  • How AI and integrated tech stacks are redefining efficiency and client service
  • Real-world example of using Holistiplan to impress prospects with instant, actionable tax insights
  • Why independence allows advisors to put clients first without conflicts of interest
  • The vision of building a legacy by mentoring young advisors and creating pathways to ownership
  • And more!

Resources: 

Connect with Thomas Manetta: 

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Building the Future of Advice with Jason Wenk (Ep. 11)

Building the Future of Advice with Jason Wenk (Ep. 11)

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What happens when the infrastructure of financial services finally catches up to the modern world of cloud, APIs, and AI?

In this episode of Behind the Curtain Finance, host Thomas Manetta sits down with Jason Wenk, founder and CEO of Altruist, the first fully integrated digital custodian designed for independent advisors. Together, they explore how technology is reshaping financial services, from APIs and microservices to agent-based AI support like Hazel and paraplanners.

Thomas and Jason discuss:

  • Why legacy financial infrastructure holds advisors back, and how vertical integration changes the game
  • The role of APIs and cloud-native architecture in building seamless advisor and client experiences
  • How AI agents may transform operations, scale, and client outcomes in the next 24 months
  • Why the future of advice depends on empathy, authenticity, and human connection, even in a tech-driven world
  • And more!

Resources:

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Connect with Jason Wenk:

About our Guest:

Jason Wenk is the founder and CEO of Altruist, the first custodian built intentionally from the ground up to support independent financial advisors who want to do the best possible work for their clients with as few conflicts as possible.

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The Future of Custodianship: Transparency, Technology, and Trust (Ep. 10)

The Future of Custodianship: Transparency, Technology, and Trust (Ep. 10)

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What if the very institutions holding your money were competing against you?

In this episode of Behind the Curtain Finance, Thomas Manetta pulls back the curtain on the hidden conflicts of traditional Wall Street custodians and how a new era of transparency and technology is reshaping the way advisors and clients interact with their money.

Thomas discusses:

  • The history of custodianship, from banks in the Gilded Age to today’s RIAs
  • Why discount brokerages like Schwab and Fidelity disrupted the status quo
  • How independent custodians, such as Altruist, are removing conflicts of interest
  • The role of AI in transforming how clients and advisors see their financial lives
  • Why younger advisors are demanding independence and ownership in their careers
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Thomas Manetta: 

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Why Estate Planning Can’t Wait (Ep. 9)

Why Estate Planning Can’t Wait (Ep. 9)

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When you think of estate planning, do visions of stuffy legal offices and endless paperwork come to mind? It’s time to change that.

In this episode, Thomas Manetta is here to change that perception. Drawing from years of firsthand experience, Thomas shares why estate planning isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy and why putting it off can lead to conflict, confusion, and costly legal battles. From sibling disputes to outdated trusts, he’s seen the ripple effects of poor planning. But thanks to new technologies and AI-powered tools, creating a legally sound estate plan is now simpler, faster, and more accessible than ever.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

  • Why waiting to plan your estate can tear families apart
  • How Thomas offers complimentary estate planning to clients
  • The surprising role AI is playing in the future of holistic financial advice
  • Common estate planning mistakes (and how to avoid them)
  • And more!

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Rethinking Taxes: How Year-Round Planning and AI Are Changing the Game (Ep. 8)

Rethinking Taxes: How Year-Round Planning and AI Are Changing the Game (Ep. 8)

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What if taxes didn’t have to be so stressful?

This week, Thomas Manetta shares how real-time tax planning and new tech tools are transforming the advisor-client relationship. He also opens up about his own education journey and how AI is rewriting the rules, both in school and in finance. 

From Holistiplan to ChatGPT, this episode uncovers how integrated planning is the future of financial services.

Thomas discusses:

  • How Holistiplan software enables year-round conversations that reduce tax-time stress
  • Why he requires three years of tax returns from every new client
  • How AI and automation could reshape both IRS operations and client planning workflows
  • The dramatic shift in education around AI tools, including his graduate school experience
  • The vision of a fully integrated planning platform at the custodial level
  • And more!

Connect with Thomas Manetta: 

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Building Trust First: The Real Foundation of Financial Planning (Ep. 7)

Building Trust First: The Real Foundation of Financial Planning (Ep. 7)

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Trust and alignment form the bedrock of effective financial planning, but how do you build these foundations with clients?

In this episode, Thomas Manetta shares his journey from traditional financial advisory roles to founding Manetta Wealth Management, where he prioritizes conflict-free and transparent client relationships. He explores the essential components of financial planning, emphasizing simplicity, transparency, and long-term client alignment.

Thomas discusses:

  • [00:04:00] The shift from product-pushing in institutional settings to alignment-focused, comprehensive advice as an independent advisor
  • [00:07:52] How trust, established through transparent investment planning, sets the tone for all other aspects of client relationships
  • [00:09:07] How many clients don’t realize the fees they’re paying and benefit from being empowered with knowledge and transparency
  • [00:13:05] How emotional reactions to markets can derail long-term growth and the advisor’s role is to maintain perspective
  • [00:15:23] The future of advisory work is shifting from just investment strategy to planning around taxes, estates, and cash flow management
  • And more!

Connect with Thomas Manetta: 

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Authenticity Over Automation (Ep. 6)

Authenticity Over Automation (Ep. 6)

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AI may reshape financial services—but it will never replace empathy.

This week, Thomas J. Manetta shares how owning his firm redefined his identity, strengthened client bonds, and sparked a deeper purpose. With automation rising, it’s the human touch that sets advisors apart. This episode explores why genuine relationships are the future of advisory services.

Thomas discusses: 

  • [00:07:53] How AI will streamline investment, tax, and estate planning, but cannot replace the emotional intelligence and advocacy of a human advisor
  • [00:02:42] The power of alignment—between advisor, client, and custodian—is a foundation for authentic and trust-based relationships
  • [00:02:00] How launching his firm led to personal transformation and stronger client connections, marked by vulnerability and mutual respect
  • [00:06:26] How advisors should prioritize intention and empathy in planning processes, integrating emotional care with financial advice
  • [00:13:38] The emerging shift in the profession toward human-centric, authenticity-led practices, and how tech like ChatGPT can help clients find aligned advisors
  • And more!

Connect with Thomas Manetta: 

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From Tragedy to Triumph: A Personal Tale of Financial Empowerment (Ep. 5)

From Tragedy to Triumph: A Personal Tale of Financial Empowerment (Ep. 5)

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What does it mean to truly put clients first in the world of finance?

Thomas J. Manetta at Manetta Wealth Management shares a compelling story of steadfast commitment and authenticity in serving clients. This episode dives into how Thomas helped a client navigate financial betrayal and personal adversity, reinforcing the value of building genuine, long-term relationships in financial advising.

Thomas delves into:

  • [00:00:53] The challenges and rewards of rescuing a client from a toxic financial relationship 
  • [00:09:55] Navigating personal tragedy alongside clients and the role of empathy in finance 
  • [00:12:59] How the landscape of financial services is evolving with technology and independent advisor models 
  •  [00:16:48] Encouraging a new generation of advisors to break free from traditional models and focus on client alignment
  • [00:18:03] Insights into the creation of a podcast as a means to share and educate about authentic financial advising.

Connect with Thomas Manetta: 

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Behind the Curtain: How Authentic Financial Advice Changes Lives (Ep. 4)

Behind the Curtain: How Authentic Financial Advice Changes Lives (Ep. 4)

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What happens when life unexpectedly hands you the responsibility of managing finances for the first time?

Delve into an emotional story of trust, transformation, and resilience as Thomas Manetta shares a heartfelt account of his long-standing client relationship. After the passing of her husband, Thomas steps in to help a client who faced the daunting task of managing her estate and finances – something she had never done before.

Thomas Manetta discusses:

  • The deep-seated impact of personal connections in financial advising. [00:00:57]
  • How aligning interests and providing conflict-free advice can transform client relationships. [00:05:34]
  • Building trust with family members who are skeptical of financial advisors. [00:06:20]
  • The significance of empathy and authentic support during difficult life transitions. [00:13:02]
  • Reflections on the emotional strength required to serve clients deeply. [00:14:54]

Resources:

Connect with Thomas Manetta: 

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